The Manchester Evening News are collecting digital messages of support for Manchester United hero Marcus Rashford after the England forward was abused following the Three Lions' exit from Euro 2020.
Rashford was one of a trio of England heroes who missed a penalty against Italy, alongside soon-to-be United man Jadon Sancho, as well as Bukayo Saka. All three were met with vicious racist abuse on their social media accounts.
A mural of the United star in Withington was also defaced with 'racially aggravated' graffiti less than an hour after England's exit, and GMP have launched an investigation.
However, the mural wasn't in a horrid state for long.
Mancunians banded together to replace the vandalism with messages of hope and support. One message turned into two, then ten. Dozens of heartwarming messages now cover the mural. The mural has now been restored to it's former glory - and along with the added touching tributes.
Not everyone who wants to pay tribute on the mural can make it there, so we're now giving you the opportunity to leave a virtual message of support for Marcus. If you cannot see our widget below, click HERE to send a message to pin on our 'virtual' mural.
It needs to be clear that support for Rashford is unconditional - regardless of the great things he has achieved for the country and for United - and that racism is not acceptable. Footballers, and the public, shouldn't need to perform to high standards to avoid racist abuse. It should be default that racism is left out of our game, out of the country and out of our lives. That, as well, is unconditional.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4973 quoting incident number 453 of 12/7/2021 - or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
